Accreditation vs Certification
Certification and accreditation both recognise professional achievement, but they represent different levels of evaluation. IGH3P® professional certification recognises defined training, competence and coaching experience, while professional accreditation provides a broader evaluation of established professional practice, standards and ongoing development.
Two Forms of Professional Recognition
Professional certification recognises that defined criteria relating to coaching knowledge, training, competence and practical experience have been achieved.
Professional accreditation represents a broader evaluation. It considers not only training and experience, but the wider quality of professional practice, ethical conduct, continuing professional development and ongoing professional accountability.
Both pathways provide meaningful professional recognition, but accreditation carries greater depth because of the broader professional standards against which the coach is evaluated.
Recognition of Knowledge, Competence & Experience
IGH3P® professional certification recognises coaches who meet defined criteria relating to professional training, coaching competence and practical experience.
- Requires substantial professional coaching training.
- Requires documented practical coaching experience.
- Recognises defined professional competence.
- Provides progressive certification from Practitioner through Fellow.
- Is distinct from a simple course-completion certificate.
Comprehensive Professional Recognition
Accreditation evaluates a broader professional picture and reflects continuing responsibility for quality, competence, ethical practice and professional development.
- Reviews relevant professional training.
- Requires higher levels of practical coaching experience.
- Evaluates professional and ethical standards.
- Requires ongoing professional development.
- Supports continuing professional accountability.
How They Compare
The distinction is not simply about one title versus another. It concerns the breadth and depth of professional evaluation.
Why Accreditation Carries Greater Professional Weight
Accreditation provides a broader and more rigorous form of professional recognition because it evaluates the professional as a whole rather than focusing only on defined competence and experience.
Rigorous Evaluation
Accreditation considers a wider range of professional evidence, including training, experience, practice and continuing development.
Standardised Criteria
Assessment against established professional criteria supports consistency, transparency and reliability in professional recognition.
Broader Recognition
Accreditation can carry greater professional credibility because it reflects a more comprehensive assessment of professional practice.
Continuous Improvement
Accreditation encourages ongoing learning, reflective practice and continued development beyond initial recognition.
Stakeholder Confidence
Clients, organisations and professional stakeholders gain additional assurance that recognised standards of practice have been demonstrated.
Wider Professional Recognition
A structured accreditation framework can support recognition across professional communities, organisations and jurisdictions.
Professional Opportunities
Accreditation can strengthen professional credibility where clients, employers or organisations value independently recognised standards.
Ongoing Accountability
Accreditation is not simply a one-time achievement. Continuing requirements help support sustained professional quality and responsibility.
What Professional Accreditation Demonstrates
IGH3P® professional accreditation is intended to recognise coaches who can demonstrate established professional practice against defined standards.
It provides a visible indication of commitment to competence, ethics, continued development and professional responsibility.
Accreditation Goes Beyond Training Alone
Professional accreditation recognises that competence is demonstrated not only by what a coach has learned, but through how that learning is applied, developed and maintained in professional practice.
Training
Evidence of appropriate professional coaching education and development.
Experience
Practical coaching hours demonstrating application in professional practice.
Standards
Commitment to professional competencies, ethics and responsible conduct.
Ongoing Development
Continued CPD and professional development throughout the period of accreditation.
Which Recognition Is Right for You?
The appropriate pathway depends on your professional training, coaching experience, evidence of practice and the depth of professional recognition you are seeking.